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    Veil of Midnight
    Veil of Midnight
    Veil of Midnight
    Audiobook10 hours

    Veil of Midnight

    Written by Lara Adrian

    Narrated by Hillary Huber

    4/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    A warrior trained in bullets and blades, Renata cannot be bested by any man-vampire or mortal. But her most powerful weapon is her extraordinary psychic ability-a gift both rare and deadly. Now a stranger threatens her hard-won independence-a golden-haired vampire who lures her into a realm of darkness...and pleasure beyond imagining.

    A combat-loving adrenaline junkie, Nikolai dispenses his own justice to enemies of the Breed-and his latest quarry is a ruthless assassin. One woman stands in his way: the seductive, cool-as-ice bodyguard, Renata. But Renata's powers are put to the test when a loved one, a child, is threatened and she's forced to turn to Niko for help. As the two join forces, as desire fans the flames of a deeper hunger, Renata's life is under siege by a man who offers the exquisite pleasure of a blood bond-and a passion that could save or doom them both forever.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherTantor Media, Inc
    Release dateNov 17, 2010
    ISBN9781400184613
    Veil of Midnight
    Author

    Lara Adrian

    Lara Adrian is the New York Times and #1 internationally bestselling author of the Midnight Breed vampire romance series, with nearly 4 million books in print and digital worldwide and translations licensed to more than twenty countries. Visit her online at LaraAdrian.com.

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    Reviews for Veil of Midnight

    4/5

    349 ratings26 reviews

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    • 4/5
      Renata has to be my favorite heroine in this series so far (I wonder, do I say that about everyone of them?) I liked Niko, but I liked Renata more (no shock that).It was a little odd that Niko wasn't near Boston for all of this book. The Order is based there, so it was really strange to see one of the Order Warriors anywhere but Boston.
    • 4/5
      In Adrian's 5th installment of her Midnight Breed series- we get the warrior Nickolai's story. To be honest, his story was one I was fairly indifferent about, but ended up being a fav.Nikolai is in Montreal on a particular mission. Sent by the leader of an elite group of warriors known as the Warrior Breeds - a band of fighters initially brought together to destroy the malicious alien/vampire progenitors who were wreaking havoc on the human population- Nikolai must track down a 1st generation Vampire and warn him about the attacks that are being perpetrated on their kind.But when he is ambushed by a powerful woman whom he knows is the key to finding Yakut, the Breed he's looking for, he discovers the Gen One Vamp is far more sinister than he's been led to believe.Nikolai also knows the woman who felled him is not the evil creature she portrays, but he cannot understand why Renata is working for Yakut. Imagine his surprise when he gazes into the eyes of a young girl who can foretell the future and sees that his own future is intricately entangled with Renata's.A warrior in her own right, Renata wants nothing more than to be free of the ruthless Yakut's grip. However, he holds her securely by his side with the one thing she cannot fight- her empathy for others. But when the young seer she is protecting is sold out to an even more dangerous evil,- the Gen One known as Dragos who is building an army to finally defeat the Breeds who stand between him and world domination- she sides with the strangely attractive blond warrior who is somehow managing to break down the walls she's erected around her heart.Before long, Niko and Renata find themselves at the very heart of the battle between good and evil that has overtaken their world, with nothing more than each other to rely on. Will they learn to trust the bond between them in time to defeat the forces arrayed against them or will Dragos finally unleash the hell he's created and destroy the world?Full of action and yes- romance- Adrian does a excellent job of tying together Niko and Renata's love story with the plot that's been building since the introduction- several books ago- of the evil Dragos. Veil of Midnight flawlessly advances the story arch of the big bad bent on destroying the cadre of Warrior Breeds, yet somehow manages to leave you tearing your hair out for more.I loved Renata's strength and vulnerability and Niko's courage and heart makes him an excellent match for her. Adrian does such a fine job of defining them, that I can as easily see these two characters fighting together in battle, as I can see them living happily ever after. What more can you ask for in a modern romance novel?
    • 4/5
      Summary Nikolai is searching for a certain assassin, a vampire that is a “gen one”. On his hunt he comes across a woman of mystery but one that draws him into a trap, a trap where he finds himself a prisoner because of her unique power. But Nikolai is drawn into a different world that is Renata’s reality. He learns that Sergei is not what he appears to be. What he learns he decides that its time to return back to his brethren of warriors and find a way to get the bigger enemy of theirs. But Renata is put in a bad place. Renata has a unique gift and she was taken off the streets and kept prisoner and only keeps her loyalty due to her love for a young girl Mira, who is innocent and has special gifts and considers her like family. But when Mira is sold, and she learns that Niko has been taken to a vampire facility. Renata must rescue Niko and in the process Niko and Renata will undergo a journey where they will discover the truth behind the bigger picture and discover a passionate love.Plot and Story Line Veil of Midnight is such a truly wonderful addition to the midnight breed series. This story was a bit different than the previous books. What was fun was the heroine…she is totally kick ass. She is not afraid of using her gift of causing intense pain in the head to her advantage. She is sassy and spirited and a fighter. She is strong and has to learn to fight on her own and not depend on anyone. She grew up on the streets, but we see what she is willing to do to protect those that she loves.There are many misunderstandings that happen between Niko and Renata and they have a difficult time learning to trust in each other. But they have a spark, and there are passion and a certain resilience these two to keep fighting for what they have no matter what difficulties they come across. We see secrets happen, but we also find a love that is tough and full of spine.When I look into your eyes, one word leaps to my mind every time: Forever.I really grew to admire these two. Even though they both make mistakes with each other, and in certain decisions that they choose to make. But they also have something so real in ways that any reader could easily relate with. What is most fun about Lara Adrian is how she can make each story come alive and I was flipping through this book as fast as I could. I just couldn’t get enough of this couple or the Midnight Breeds. What a thrilling addition that had me hooked!!The Cover This cover is very interesting, quite different from the others, but one aspect I really like is how much it relates with the story.Overall View Veil of Midnight is an exhilarating ride of desire, adventure, dangerous scenarios and characters that will spell bind you. A STIMULATING ADVENTURE!!
    • 3/5
      I think the author is starting to run out of ideas about what powers to give her breedmates; Renata's power is a pulse of power she can send out which debilitates vampires but also drains her of energy. Strange. If I was Renata I would feel like I got the shaft in the old power's department.
      Renata seems whiny to me (so you have a Gen One vampire abusing you? Yeah well I had to do five loads of laundry today, move it along) never connected with her or liked her. The only thing I got from Nikolai was that he has piercing blue eyes and likes guns.
      Ugh! The author builds up her villains, makes them hella' intriguing bad asses, and then just kills them off way too quickly, such let downs!
      Like the new added storyline of Gen Ones who are assassins and the character named Hunter (Gen One assassin) who Mira (breedmate who Renate watches over) saves, I'm thinking there will be a book in their future.
      Nothing interesting here really, well I guess I do find myself interested in the character Hunter and what looks like new storylines for the series. Way too much like the previous books in the series except the two main characters weren't as engaging as the previous ones have been.

      D
    • 4/5
      4.5 stars

      I really enjoyed this book, but it didn't have anything to do with the main couple. Renata and Nikolai really didn't do anything for me. I liked Renata's power and Nikolai was the typical warrior. They were pretty bland, IMO. However, I really enjoyed the storyline. I like how the story is progressing. It was exciting and I was practically on the edge of my seat to see how it was going to play out. The introduction of Hunter was intriguing and I can't wait to read his part in the upcoming books.
    • 5/5
      Veil of Midnight
      4.5 stars

      Synopsis:
      What happens when two warriors clash? Renata cannot be bested by either vampire or mortal, but she meets her match in Nikolai, a combat addicted Breed warrior who will do anything to catch his quarry. Can these two reconcile their differences for a love that my save or consume them?

      Review:
      An emotional story, a sweet hero and a formidable heroine.

      Adrian touches on several exceedingly dark issues in her complex and gripping plots, and this book is the darkest so far with references to pedophilia, human trafficking, breeding programs and experimentation. Nevertheless, this is all mixed in with an intensity of emotion, chemistry and connection between the lead characters.

      Niko is not the most intense or charismatic of the Breed warriors but he is definitely the sweetest and the one with the best-developed sense of morality. While some details of his back-story are provided, the focus is on Renata, and Niko’s character development is somewhat neglected.

      Renata has overtaken Elise as my favorite Breedmate. Although she may appear cold in the beginning, her stoicism is completely in line with the harshness of her background and it is thrilling to see her innate compassion for others come to the fore as she learns to love and to be loved. On a side note, one of the aspects of Adrian’s series that I most appreciate is the fact that the mates have their own abilities, actively participate in the battle against the villains in the books and do not sit around waiting to be rescued.

      The romance between Niko and Renata is another strong point in the book. They seem to have an immediate connection but are wary of taking it forward for their own reasons. However, they make a great couple once the obstacles are removed.

      Unlike the other books in the series, there is more than one villain, each with their own diabolical agenda but Adrian is able to successfully merge them together into a unified whole.

      The story is captivating with some seriously disturbing moments, and one or two twists and turns that advance the overall series arc, which makes me especially eager to read both Andreas and Hunter’s books.
    • 3/5
      Paranormal Romance. Midnight Breed 5. Renata female psychic. Nico golden Vampire. OK- 
    • 3/5
      Another powerful entry in the Midnight Breed series. This story was more action than romance but I think it worked for the couple. Niko is an adrenaline junkie who lives for battle. He loves creating new weapons to help the Order in their fight against evil. Renata is an unwilling bodyguard to a powerful Gen One vampire. She also has the psychic ability that renders vampires helpless. Together they are force to be reckoned with.

      The story moved along at a fast pace and while the romance built quickly and predictably, the action kept me turning the pages. There's a lot of head hopping. We get the POV from our hero and heroine, various bad guys, and Andreas. Poor Andreas. It was a bit too much for my taste. The other thing I didn't care for was how cartoonish the villains were. All three of the bad guys presented were run of the mill power hungry bastards. I prefer a little more depth to my bad guys.

      After the emotional rollercoaster of Rio's story, the lack of it in Niko's book kind of threw me for a loop. Understandable though. Niko just didn't have the tragic backstory Rio did. I think the fast and furious relationship of Niko and Renata fit their personalities and served as a palate cleanser before moving on to Andreas. Poor, poor Andreas.
    • 3/5
      I'm thinking that this series is not quite my cup of tea. Take this book for example: I had a big trouble finishing it and I actually thought about giving up on the whole thing. Glad I didn't because I actually liked the ending and I think there's some getting used to the writing for me, still. The characters were quite engaging, but I didn't feel connected to them aside from Mira, whom I think should get her own novel in the series for when she's all grown up. I like the story line with Hunter and that's why I'll keep going with the series.
    • 4/5
      This is Nikolai's happily ever after. As anyone knows that has read the earlier book Nico is the daredevil. He is a thrill seeker and from what we learn in this story he has always been that way. Nico is also the weapons expert for the Order. This story is a little different from the earlier stories in that Nico is off by himself for most of the story. This story takes place in Montreal and Nico is looking for one of the Gen One warriors that are living in the area. Some really nasty things happen to Nico and there are points that you wonder if he is going to live to fight another day. There are also a few times that I was surprised that Lucan didn't read him the riot act. I have liked Nico from the beginning but I was sure that he wouldn't find a mate any time in the near future. Reneta is an orphan that has grown up on the streets for the most part. She is a Breedmate with an unusual power. She can incapacitate any Breed with a sonic blast to their mind. Her biggest problem is her power is reflected back to herself. Reneta is strong, compassionate, and stubborn as they come. She lives to protect those unfortunate kids that need a helping hand. When Nico first meets Reneta she is in the service of the Gen One vampire that Nico is trying to save. He is drawn to her but he thinks that she is bonded to the Gen One so he backs off. Both of these people try so hard to avoid the attraction that is drawing them together. It take Reneta getting Nico out of the nasty situation that he finds himself in.This story also pushes the underlying plot forward. There are some very bad things that happen in Germany and those things will tear your heart out. But there are hints that one of Drago’s cohorts is behind the tragedy. It will be interesting to see what happens to Andreas Reichen.I cheered that one of Drago's warrior defects to Order and the circumstances that lead to that defection are precious. It is something that most aren't going to see coming. I hope that more of the warriors Drago has been breeding can be saved. We also get a hint that Drago is going to get what is coming to him.I enjoyed this story and it certainly made me want to start the next book in this series. This series is very, very addictive and I am glad that I have another seven books to read.
    • 5/5
      4.5 stars

      My absolute favorite of the series, both in terms of content of book and the hero/heroine of the story. I loved Niko and Renata, their strength and their fierce love.
    • 4/5
      This story brings several twists to the overall plot of the series and the war between the Rogues and Breed. I am very interested in what happens with Mira and Hunter. They are two completely different characters than we have seen in this series. I am interested to she where she is planning on taking a story with each of them.
    • 5/5
      So far this one is my favorite of the series. It was dark and often grissly, but so good. Nikolai, the often reckless adrenaline junkie of all the warriors, gets sent on a solo mission to meet with the Gen One vampire Sergei Yakut. He finds the recluse who rules his contingent with a cruel and iron fist. Among them is Renata, a Breedmate. She's a fierce fighter and very adept with various weapons and a powerful ability. I warmed to Renata immediately.

      Dangerous circumstances throw Nikolai and Renata together as they race to save the Breedmate child, Mira from a sadistic traitor of the vampire nation. Nikolai is torn between his duty to the Order and to the blooming relationship with Renata.

      The incident at the German Darkhaven was emotional and made me cry a little. No doubt it is the catalyst that will hopefully bring Andreas Reichen into the Order's fold. I can't wait to read his story, which is the next book.

      I wasn't disappointed with the ending at all because it brings a new and probably exciting new development that might give the Order a fighting chance against Dragos and his diabolical scheme.

      This may be a weak review on my part but I really don't want to spoil this story for anyone. I couldn't put this book down so it's easily an absolute favorite. Five stars soothe way.
    • 4/5
      Veil of Midnight features Niko, the Russian member of the Order. Niko's current mission for the Order is to warn (and protect) an ancient first generation vampire who he believes has been targeted for assassination. This takes him to Montreal, where he meets the cold and prickly Renata - who he soon finds himself thinking about all too much, which is bad for both Niko and his mission since she seems to be blood-bonded to the Gen One vampire Niko needs to protect. Renata completely surprises the "untouchable" Niko by actually laying him on his behind....quite a few times, and for being a "normal" human this is feat! Circumstance throws Niko into the company of Renata and there is plenty of opportunity for relationship development between the pair leading Niko to find out that Renata is anything but cold. Renata's past is revealed along the way which helps to make her a more appealing character than her initial cold-hearted bodyguard appearance would lead you to believe. I found the introduction of Hunter to be superb and am looking forward to his story. However, within this novel, even though I saw it coming, I am sad of the events that happen to a certain friend of the Order. Definitely another good read and recommended across the board.
    • 4/5
      I'm generally not a fan of the pure paranormal romance, but Lara Adrian threatens to change my mind. She packs a lot of action into every book, and there's an overarching plotline that connects all the books in the series. Although the romance is the central theme of each book, there is a lot more going on.Her world has several interesting twists on the usual vampire myths. I don't advise reading them out of order. Start with book 1, it's worth it. Each book focuses on a different warrior, and I enjoy getting inside the head of characters I've liked from previous books.There were more than a dozen scanning errors in the Kindle version that I found distracting. Fm instead of I'm, Gome instead of Come, that sort of thing. A single proofing pass after the scan would have gone a long way.If I could give it a 4.5 I would, but those errors make it so I can't quite give it a perfect score. That said, it's certainly far above average in its genre and a highly recommended read.
    • 4/5
      Veil of Midnight, Book 5 of the Midnight Breed series by Lara Adrian, is my favorite in the series so far. On a mission for The Order, Breed Warrior Niko gets distracted from his mission's objective by Renata, a tough female bodyguard on a mission of her own. Things get intense as they join forces against the bad guys. Niko and Renata are Hott, Hott, Hott!! We are introduced to a couple of new characters who's stories have the potential to be the focus of a future Midnight Breed Book. I highly recommend this series and can't wait to start reading Book #6!
    • 4/5
      She's a bodyguard, trained and ruthless, she works for the sadistic Sergi Yakut who uses her and abuses her. She has the ability to use her mind to stun people, particularly vampires, an ability that's saved her more than once.He's Nikolai, a ruthless warrior, a man who is atoning for earlier misdeeds, a man who believes in the mission. His mission is becoming derailed by Renata.Add in the young Mira whose eyes reflect people's future and who is treated as a commodity or gaming piece and you have a fairly good cast. And it works fairly well until the end when it seems that misunderstanding and bitterness can be sorted in minutes. I'm looking forward to see what happens with the vampire from Berlin. I also have to wonder if the author saw an antidote to minionising, it seems to be a powerful thing that really the good guys can't do anything about.An interesting story, even if it was wrapped up a little pat at the end.
    • 4/5
      This was actually probably my least favorite in the series but still a very good book. This was the only one that I had a hard time warming up to the leading lady. I did enjoy the leading guy though as he had tons of personality. I recommend this book to anyone who likes supernatural type of books.
    • 4/5
      Love this series
    • 3/5
      I think that this book strayed closer to the Urban Fantasy mark than Romance. I would be fine with that if that had been what I was expecting. However, I bought this in the Romance section and was expecting those qualities. The relationship between Niko and Renata felt rushed and flat.I liked Renata's character. I thought she could be dense at times, but her overall strength and lack of "woe is me" was very refreshing. Even though her physical strength and weapon skills didn't put her ahead of Breed males, her crippling mind attacks definitely did. I think that some might find her cold in the beginning of the book, but I enjoyed her stoicism. It seems like most of the time a strong male is paired with a weaker female, but I felt that Renata was the stronger of the two lead characters. Or at least I felt that way for the beginning half of the book.For the first part of the book Niko was a mystery to me. It was kind of irritating because I wanted to see more of who he was as a character. There wasn't a lot of insight into him until later in the book. When we did get told about his past it was still rather "ho-hum" for me. I wanted to see more of who he was beyond his mission. I guess because we spent more time in Renata's head I had a better understanding of her character. The stray thoughts here and there built on each other to show what made her tick. I guess I wish we would have had more of that with Niko too.I liked that Niko wasn't looking for love, but when he did realize he had fallen for Renata he owned it. There was no mental angsting about it. He may have been a bit surprised but he never tried to deny it and was actually the first one to admit it. It was refreshing, but leads directly into my biggest problem with the story: the romance.I think Niko and Renata needed more time to develop their relationship. I liked the unwilling fascination with each other in the beginning. I also liked the thread of danger that ran through Renata when she thought of Niko. She had to be very careful to not put a foot out of line there or Sergei Yakut would crush her. I was intrigued by the faint disgust Niko had by his attraction to her when he thought she condoned what Sergei did and that he desired her when he thought she was blood-bonded to Sergei. I was really looking forward to see how the author would get the characters together with all those factors against them. Unfortunately that was never explored.Niko seemed to want to be with Renata because of a hot vision he saw. He seemed to fall in love with her for the same reason, because I can't see any other reason why he'd feel that way so quickly. Renata seemed to want Niko because he can help her find Mira and because to heal she needs his blood and his blood makes her hot. She seems to fall in love for the same reason. I wish I could have seen a real reason why they want to be together. As it is I feel that after the adrenaline wears off and they don't have to rescue anyone they'll start to realize they don't know each other at all.I was intrigued by Hunter right away. I predicted what would happen, but not how it would center around Mira. I'm interested in what part he will play in the upcoming story arc. I was very irritated by the inclusion of Andreas Reichen's story arc. It was blatant sequel bait. It added absolutely nothing of value to this storyline. I like to read connected stories in a series, but it is very irritating to have so much space in a book devoted to a character that doesn't impact the current storyline at all.The book is well written and the storyline is intriguing. It's very easy to get caught up in the action of the book. I enjoy this author's books and will buy her again, but I wish she would bring back the balance of romance and action that she had in her earlier books.
    • 3/5
      Not bad. I enjoyed the characters, although they could have been more developed. The plot itself was a bit lacking and short.
    • 5/5
      one of her better reads in the series.
    • 4/5
      Nikolai is a Breed warrior and a member of the Order. A group of breeds who fight the Rogues and try to keep the humans safe from them. His current mission places him in Montreal looking for a Gen One Breed. Renata is also a warrior but of a different sort. She is the bodyguard for the vampire that Nikolai is looking for. When Niko shows up in Montreal looking for the Gen One Renata doesn't trust him so she sets a trap to catch him.I started reading Lara Adrian's Breed series around the time it first came out. I was heavily into PNR and couldn't seem to get enough of the blood suckers, er vampires. Since then I've read quite a few different takes on the fanged ones, some I've liked, some I've loved and some I've left behind. Adrian's are in the liked/loved category. While I have enjoyed each book in the series, some more than others, I have come to expect a good story with interesting characters. Veil of Midnight certainly delivered.An assassin is targeting the eldest of the Breeds, the Gen Ones. Nikolai is sent to warn Sergei Yakut of the threat. It's when he's trying to locate Yakut that he meets up with Renata. Their first meeting doesn't go well, weapons are involved and Niko is thought to be a threat to Yakut. Once things are cleared up and Niko sees what Yakut and his group are really like all Niko wants is to get back to Boston. While Niko finds Renata very attractive he is unmated and wants to stay that way. Not that he doesn't enjoy women, he does. And he wants to continue to enjoy as many as possible. But something happens and Renata and a young girl named Mira need his help. So he dons his armor offers to help.One thing I'll say about Adrian's females is that they have a purpose. They are not merely sex objects for the males or there to "fix" the hero. Renata is no different. She is well versed in weapons, both guns and knives. She takes her job very seriously because her life and the life of a young girl depend on her doing her job. And she's smart. She found out she was a breedmate right before she was about to be killed. Ever since then she's been doing what she had to to survive. She may detest what she has to do but she has survived hell and has every intention of getting out of there alive.Niko and Renata make such a good team. When Renata first meets Niko she assumes he's just like the rest of the Breeds. Her experience is limited to Yakut and his environment of bloodsport and death. She begins to realize that Niko is nothing like the horrible monsters that she has been forced to live. That he is honorable and trustworthy. When Niko discovers what really happened to Renata and what she's been through he can't help but care for her. His idea of staying a bachelor slowly slips away. And he's okay with that. When he tries to tell her he loves her he was just adorable.A few new characters are introduced in Veil of Midnight. One character in particular has such potential for a fascinating storyline. But... we'll just have to wait and see.The Midnight Breed series continues to maintain solid world building while still developing the main storyline of the hero and heroine. Within that world building we see further development of the antagonists that the Order is fighting. This is Adrian's fifth book and while some authors may hit a lull at this point in a series Adrian is maintaining a decent pace with the overall story arc.
    • 5/5
      OMG! If you haven't been reading Lara Adrian's 'Midnight Breed' series, then you really don't know what you're missing! I was lucky enough to pick up the first book, "Kiss of Midnight", and I was hooked. Adrian's breeds are vampires, but their origins, history, and powers are a bit different from the rest of the vamp stories floating around the market today. These guys are hot, hot, hot; and they're fighting to save their kind as well as humans. "Veil of Midnight" is Adrian's latest and it may just be her best yet. Renata is trapped in a nightmare. She's bound by blood to a creature of legend and by love to a little girl whose safety is dependent on Renata's obedience. Renata has honed herself into a skillful fighter to survive life in the vampire compound ruled by a merciless and cruel leader. When she meets Niko, it's as bait to trap him. When her world explodes, she only hopes he can help her rescue the little girl who's become a daughter to her.Niko is the fun-loving, footloose breed. When he finally gains an audience with the First Gen Sergei, he's shocked to find a breedmate and little girl in residence. Then he realizes that Sergei is more animal than human, but his mission for the Order is accomplished and killing the First Gen isn't part of that mission. Things quickly head south and Niko becomes entangled in a territory war and imprisoned by enemies of the Order. When Renata rescues him and asks for his help, he quickly realizes that NOTHING is more important...than Renata...HIS breedmate.It's hard to describe this intricately woven tale without giving away too much. This series is one of the best in this genre that's available today. If sexy vampires, intrigue, action, and hot loving get your blood moving, then pick up one of Adrian's books and be prepared to get hooked.
    • 5/5
      I read Lara Adrian’s first book, Kiss of Midnight loved it! And since her other three in the series were already on the shelves I quickly read them all and enjoyed each one.Which brings me to Veil of Midnight. It took no time to get caught up again in the world of the the Order, a group of Vampires who at first were dedicated to riding the world of Rogue vampires – those who have surrendered to Blood Lust to now tracking down a far greater threat to vampires and humans alike.This is Nicolas’ story. As the book opens, he is in Montreal, trying to find an old Gen One Vampire. Nico wants to warn him that an evil, powerful vampire is targeting all the Gen One vampires and see if he can enlist this powerful vampire in their fight.Instead of finding him however, Nico falls into a trap laid out for him by none other than the heroine Renata, a human female bodyguard. Time and again Renata gets the drop on Nico until finally she needs his help to find her young ward, Mina and must rescue him from a horrible fate. Then they must work together, despite some distrust on both sides, especially Renata’s.Unlike the other Midnight Breed books, this one takes place almost entirely in Montreal and there are just brief appearances of the previous heroes. The action mainly involves Nico and Renata and the evil stacked against them.One of the things that appeals to me in this series is the strength of the heroines. For the most part they are almost an equal match for the alpha Breed heroes and wowzers is Renata almost more than a match for Nico. Considering she’s human, albeit a breed mate human, she can really kick some ass – including Nico’s. And I liked that – I really liked it! And her special talent can really lay him low – with no defences and she uses it on him, more than once. No TSTL heroine is our Renata. I love how near the end, when Nico is behaving like a typical, I am Man and You Woman Must Obey Me, she doesn’t hesitate to let him have it, physically, and then goes on to get the job done. And there is no doubt she can do it.A loner all her life, Renata has been brutalized by the Montreal branch of vampires and is very hesitant to trust Nico, even though she is attracted to him from the beginning. And her strength and will to succeed is one of the things that attracts Nico to her.If I seem to be going on about her quite a bit, it’s because she’s such a well written heroine and it’s so unusual to see a human heroine who’s an equal match for a vampire hero – at least in the ones I’ve read.But I can’t neglect Nico either. He’s another great addition to this most excellent series. He’s compassionate, protective, and sexy and rather than feeling threatened by Renata, appreciates her.And – there is just enough about the next book with Andreas Reichen to start the countdown for the release of Ashes of Midnight!For those who’ve been reading and enjoying this series, Veil of Midnight is a most excellent new addition to the series. For those who haven’t but have been curious, I think this one can be read as a stand-alone since most of it takes place outside of the setting of the previous books.
    • 4/5
      The girl's eyes were like a mirror. When you looked into them, you saw your future. But your future changed as present events unfolded. What did Nikolai see when he looked into Mira's eyes? It definitely startled him enough to jerk away from her eyes.Renata was kidnapped for a blood club for a Gen One Vampire's pleasure, but her unique breed skill saved her from death. It didn't save her though from becoming one of his servants. Two years later, she has honed her combat skills to flawless perfection. Her unique physic ability and her precision with blades give her a substantial advantage in any fight. Nikolai is a member of the Order sent to warn the remaining living Gen Ones' that they are being methodically hunted and disposed of. He didn't count on the beautiful bodyguard, Renata, to best him as he tracked her, trying to find out information about a hermit Gen One. Once he comes to, he is disgusted with the way the Gen One has been murdering humans. With a twist of events, the Gen One vampire is brutally killed and Nikolai pinned for the murder. While he is detained, Renata tries to sleep. When she awakens she is disheartened to find the young child that she has come to love, Mira, was sold to another Breed because of her oracle abilities. She runs to Nikolai for his aid in getting Mira back. As their desire with one another heats up, the Gen One mystery slowly reveals even more clues. Searing romance, high adrenaline action, and a solid plot weaves a well-rounded VEIL OF MIDNIGHT. This is a must read for most paranormal fans. The Breed is set in a unique world with captivating characters and high-charged action. Absolutely loved it!